How to completely disable LTE on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: all working methods

Why do users want to disable LTE on Redmi and when do they need to?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones by default use 4G LTE networks for maximum Internet speed, but sometimes owners need to forcefully switch to 3G or even 2G. The reasons can be different: from saving battery power to solving connection problems.

The most common situations where LTE shutdown is justified are:

• 🔋 Weak signal. 4G In your area, the phone is constantly switching between standards, draining the battery faster than stable operation. 3G.
• 📞 Voice calls problems (VoLTE is not supported by the operator or is glitchy).
• 💰 Saving traffic – in roaming or at a limited rate 3G It might be cheaper.
• 🛠️ Diagnosing a problem – if the internet doesn’t work, testing in different standards helps to identify the cause.

It is important to understand that forced LTE disabling on Redmi Note 10/11/12 and later models can lead to the inability to use VoLTE (voice over 4G) if the operator does not support CSFB (call transfer to 3G/2G).

Method 1: Disable LTE through standard Android settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in network selection menu, which works on all Redmi smartphones running MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi 9, Note 8 Pro, Note 11, etc.).

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the SIM cards and mobile networks section → Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Tap on the network type (or preferred network type).
4. Choose one of the options: 📶 Only 3G — Compulsory regime (recommended for testing). 📱 3G/2G (Car: The phone will choose between the two 3G and 2G automatically. 📟 Only 2G — The last option, if you need maximum charge savings.

Are contacts retained on SIM-map (may be missing when dropped)

Does the operator support 3G in your area?

Is the "Data Transfer" mode enabled for SIM-map

Is the device more than 20% charged (in case of failure)

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI after the choice 3G This is because operators (such as Tele2 or Iota) in some regions have completely shut down the Internet. 3G, leave only 4G and 2G. In this case, you will have to return to automatic mode or use method 3 (USSD-code).

Method 2: Use of an engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the standard settings do not work, you can use the MTK Engineer Mode or Qualcomm Service Mode, depending on the processor.This method is suitable for models on MediaTek chips (Redmi 9A, 8A) and Qualcomm Snapdragon (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3).

For MediaTek:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. In the Set preferred network type section, set: 🔢 WCDMA only 3G. 🔢 GSM only 2G.

For Qualcomm Snapdragon:

1. Enter the phone app: ##2263###
2. Select Band Mode → only mark WCDMA (3G) or GSM (2G).

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu may cause network loss or modem malfunction. If the signal is lost after the change of settings, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings) or return the parameter to LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto.

Method 3: USSD-codes

Not everyone knows, but mobile operators are providing the services. USSD-These commands work independently of the Redmi model and version. MIUI, But their support depends on the operator.

How to use:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code for your operator.
2. Press the call button and a notification of successful activation will appear.
3. Reboot your phone (required!).

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If USSD-codes are not working, try sending them through the app SIM Toolkit (badge) SIM-Sometimes operators block execution of commands through a standard dialing number.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with two SIM-map USSD-The codes apply only to the main SIM (The second card will have to use other methods (e.g. engineering menu).

Method 4: Disable LTE through third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI tools don't provide the flexibility you need, you can use specialized utilities, which are especially useful for Redmi models with locked engineering menus or custom firmware.

Top.-3 network-management applications:

• 📱 Network Signal Guru – shows detailed information about the cells and allows you to manually select a communication standard (requires root for full functionality).
• 🛠️ 4G LTE Switch is a simple switch to switch between 4G/3G/2G (It works without rooting in most Redmis).
• 🔧 MTK Engineering Mode – an alternative to the built-in engineering menu for MediaTek chips.

Example of using 4G LTE Switch:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Start and grant permissions to access phone functions.
3. Select the desired mode (for example, WCDMA only for 3G).
4. Confirm the change and restart the phone.

Standard settings of MIUI

Engineering menu

USSD-operator code

Party of annex

Nothing helps.

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⚠️ Note: Applications like Network Signal Guru with manual cell selection can drain the battery in 2-3 hours if left to run in the background.

Method 5: Edit the build.prop file (power users only)

This is the most radical method, which requires root rights and knowledge of the structure of Android, and it is suitable if other methods have not worked, for example, on Redmi with custom firmware or after a failed update.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop.
3. Find the lines: ro.telephony.default_network=9 persist.radio.lte_on=1 and replace them with: ro.telephony.default_network=1 # Only GSM (2G) persist.radio.lte_on=0 or ro.telephony.default_network=2 # Only WCDMA (3G)
4. Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of build.prop can lead to loss IMEI Before you change, back up the file and make sure you have access to the system. TWRP Recovery for recovery.

What to do if the Internet or calls do not work after LTE shutdown

Sometimes, forced switching to 3G/2G leads to unexpected problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📶 Active? SIM-Card (try inserting it into another phone).
• 🔄 Is the firmware updated in older versions? MIUI There are modem bugs.
• 🔧 Does the slot work? SIM-cards (on Redmi with two slots, contact sometimes breaks).

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If the problem occurred after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot. Instructions are available on the 4PDA forum in the themes of your model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about LTE shutdown on Xiaomi Redmi